I am a fifth-year student at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in secondary education, biology, and general education with a middle school endorsement. Prior to enrolling in the School of Education, I spent two years in the College of Pharmacy at the university. I am a native Rhode Islander and am a member of the La Salle Academy Class of 2009. In my spare time, I spend much of my time working. I also enjoy interior decoration and baking, and I am an avid couponer.
This unit uses the study of “extreme” ecosystems to teach concepts of ecology. The unit will take place in the spring after students have studied genetics and evolution. The concepts that will be covered are; Interdependent relationships in ecosystems, cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems, and ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience.
The unit will begin with an introduction to the concept of biomes and equilibrium within a system. The introduction will include an ecosystem lab. The first extreme ecosystem will be the polar system. This is a photosynthetic based system and will allow discussion of carbon cycling and include an appropriate lab. Biodiversity will also be addressed, as well as human impact and global warming. Next, students will study the rainforest and focus on food webs and the passage of energy. We will move to the ocean next to learn the effects of ocean acidification. Our chemistry teacher will review acids and bases, pH and the effects of ocean acidification. We will then move to the deep ocean to discuss adaptation, interdependent relationships, and finally, the discussion of a chemosynthetic based food web; the hydrothermal vents system. The unit will be summarized with a culminating activity to reinforce all of the concepts and allow students to explore cause and effect within the chemical cycles in an ecosystem of their choosing, creating connections to food webs as well as human impact.
Principal: Mark Thompson MS Team Leader: Elizabeth McGarry Office Secretary: Terry Kratman Custodian(s): Who do you call when sick or dying? office secretary What is the phone number? (401) 721-3400 Cooperating Teacher: Elizabeth McGarry
Principal: Janet Sheehan Science Dept. Head: J. Swan Office Secretary(s): Custodian(s): Who do you call when sick or dying? office secretary What is the phone number? (401) 435-7806 Cooperating Teacher: Kelly Reese
Marissa Brasil
I am a fifth-year student at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in secondary education, biology, and general education with a middle school endorsement. Prior to enrolling in the School of Education, I spent two years in the College of Pharmacy at the university. I am a native Rhode Islander and am a member of the La Salle Academy Class of 2009. In my spare time, I spend much of my time working. I also enjoy interior decoration and baking, and I am an avid couponer.
Teaching Portfolio
Teaching Rationale/Philosophy
Unit Plan
This unit uses the study of “extreme” ecosystems to teach concepts of ecology. The unit will take place in the spring after students have studied genetics and evolution. The concepts that will be covered are; Interdependent relationships in ecosystems, cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems, and ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience.
The unit will begin with an introduction to the concept of biomes and equilibrium within a system. The introduction will include an ecosystem lab. The first extreme ecosystem will be the polar system. This is a photosynthetic based system and will allow discussion of carbon cycling and include an appropriate lab. Biodiversity will also be addressed, as well as human impact and global warming. Next, students will study the rainforest and focus on food webs and the passage of energy. We will move to the ocean next to learn the effects of ocean acidification. Our chemistry teacher will review acids and bases, pH and the effects of ocean acidification. We will then move to the deep ocean to discuss adaptation, interdependent relationships, and finally, the discussion of a chemosynthetic based food web; the hydrothermal vents system. The unit will be summarized with a culminating activity to reinforce all of the concepts and allow students to explore cause and effect within the chemical cycles in an ecosystem of their choosing, creating connections to food webs as well as human impact.
Student Teaching Information
A. First Student Teaching Placement
School: Lincoln Middle SchoolAddress: 152 Jenckes Hill Road, Lincoln, RI
Principal: Mark Thompson
MS Team Leader: Elizabeth McGarry
Office Secretary: Terry Kratman
Custodian(s):
Who do you call when sick or dying? office secretary
What is the phone number? (401) 721-3400
Cooperating Teacher: Elizabeth McGarry
B. Second Student Teaching Placement
School: East Providence High SchoolAddress: 2000 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, RI
Principal: Janet Sheehan
Science Dept. Head: J. Swan
Office Secretary(s):
Custodian(s):
Who do you call when sick or dying? office secretary
What is the phone number? (401) 435-7806
Cooperating Teacher: Kelly Reese
Observations and Reflections